We don’t have to go to the south to be reminded of racist white people.
They’re right here in New York.
The disrespectful race based language of Daniel Loeb, who is a top donor to Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo and many other politicians is unacceptable on many levels. For Loeb to compare Senator Cousins to the KKK, then apologize and blame it on their passion for Education insults our intelligence and our suffering as Black people at the hands of a racist organization like the KKK. Makes us wonder what they think about women and black people behind closed doors. All monies from Mr. Leob should be returned; racist money should not be accepted in the Democratic Party from Gov. Cuomo on down.
The black community of Westchester have watched for too long the subtle dog whistle Politics against Black Politicians including our sister in her position by sexist and racist elected officials, and some of them have the nerve to call themselves Democrats.
What makes Governor Cuomo think that Sen. Klein has a better understanding of the suburbs than the Senate Majority Leader, Andrea Stewart-Cousins? Sen. Cousins represents more of Westchester than Klein, is more known and has crossed ethnic boundaries throughout the county.
Maybe our Governor didn’t understand. Maybe the Governor forgot that living in Chappaqua, which has a 1.95% black population (according to the 2101 census) does not represent the rest of Westchester.
Maybe there is an underlining Racial Empathy Gap in the Democratic Party in the state of New York. To systematically deny a Black woman the power of the position is a denial of Black peoples’ pain of Slavery, Jim Crow, the fight for Civil Rights, unjust killing of Black man and Mass Incarceration. I believe it’s even worse. The problem is that the pain isn’t really felt its only identified with when they need our votes. And that’s being a Hypocrite!
Sen. Cousins have, since the beginning of her political career, faced two strikes against her: Being black in a predominantly white male dominant political system and being a woman in a historical system of oppression.
The Independent Democratic Caucus (IDC) was founded in 2011, a year before Sen. Cousins was voted in to be the first Black Legislative Leader. Was the creation of the IDC a preemptive strike to weaken her position? Was the establishment of the IDC a political attempt to keep a black woman from the seat of power?
These are the questions Sen. Klein and others must be asked. With racist donors like Leob, what are they thinking? We all know the old saying, birds of a feather, flock together. If the racist shoe fits; then wear it!
Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins has remained unbroken and continue to chip away from the glass ceiling of the New York State Legislature, even though it seems they have stacked the chips against her. She has remained strong throughout the adversity while remaining regal throughout – she is the embodiment of beauty in the struggle. As I stand, all Black Westchester should stand with Sen. Cousins because she has always stood for us.
If our Governor Cuomo fails to recognize Sen. Cousins and her seat of power as Senate Majority Leader, then maybe, just maybe he would recognize her if she primary him in the next election for a Candidate for New York State Governor. Would he see her then?
Damon K. Jones
Damon K. Jones is an Activist, Author, and Publisher of Black Westchester Magazine, a Black-owned and operated newspaper based in Westchester County, New York.
Mr. Jones is a Spiritual Life Coach, Couples and Family Therapy Coach, Holistic Health Practitioner, First Aid in Mental Health Practioner, Diet and Nutrition Advisor, and Vegan, Vegetarian Nutrition Life Coach.
Mr. Jones is a 32-year Law Enforcement Practioner New York Representative of Blacks in Law Enforcement of America.
Mr. Jones has been a guest commentator on New York radio stations WBLS (107.5 FM), WLIB (1190 am), WRKS (98.7 FM), WBAI (99.5 FM), and Westchester's WVOX (1460 am). Mr. Jones has appeared on local television broadcasts, including Westchester News 12 "News Makers" and Public Television "Winbrook Pride. You can now hear Damon every Wednesday at 830 AM on WFAS at 1230 AM, Morning with Bob Marone Show.
